Date:19/12/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/19/stories/2006121903781000.htm

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Reservation bill: women court arrest

Special Correspondent

PROTEST AGAINST DELAY: Activists of the National Federation of Indian Women who courted arrest in front of Parliament during the protest against the non-introduction of the Women's Reservation Bill, in New Delhi on Monday. - PHOTO: PTI

NEW DELHI: Activists of the Communist Party of India-backed National Federation of Indian Women (NFIW) on Monday courted arrest, close to Parliament House, to protest against the non-introduction of the Women's Reservation Bill. The bill seeks 33 per cent reservation for women in the State Assemblies and Parliament.

The protesters assembled near the Rail Bhavan to march towards Parliament House and demand introduction of the bill, but they were rounded up by the police. The activists said women would not tolerate the delay any more and come out on the streets.

Condemning the arrest and the "double standards" of the Government, NFIW general secretary Annie Raja demanded immediate introduction of the bill. She described as "highly objectionable" Parliamentary Affairs Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi's statement that the bill would be introduced before the term of the United Progressive Alliance Government ended.

She said this was cheating the women with false promises.